Peconic Ballet Theatre will be presenting their production of The Nutcracker for the 13th year at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center with four showings this weekend. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 9th with two shows at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, December 10th with two shows at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
There will be four different casts for each show where all dancers will have the opportunity to play separate roles and showcase their skills. The Nutcracker is the classic story of Clara whose nutcracker doll turns into a prince and takes her on a magical journey to the Land of Sweets where she meets several long-beloved classic characters, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, among others. This production is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and capture the enchantment of the season while supporting the students of the Peconic Ballet Theatre.
Christiana Bitonti, owner and director of Peconic Ballet Theatre, spoke about what those in attendance can expect from the performances, what goes into preparation for The Nutcracker each year, and how great this longstanding relationship with WHBPAC has been for the company.
“I’m so excited for the community to experience the performance,” Christiana says. “I’m just looking forward to another season and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as they did last time.”
Christiana has a background in professional dance, growing up on the East End, she had to make the commute to the city for dance growing up, and it was her goal to bring a high-level dance company to the East End. She is thrilled she was able to see that dream come to fruition with Peconic Ballet Theatre. The company has been nothing short of successful with many dance programs and performances throughout the year, plus this being the 13th season putting on The Nutcracker at WHBPAC, always a highly anticipated holiday favorite.
Christiana says, “Preparing for the performances is a long process.” She explained how they begin auditions back in June and rehearsals start in September, rehearsing multiple days a week throughout the school year with more rehearsal days added as they near production time. Right now, they are in their tech week as they anticipate opening day over the weekend, ensuring lights, sound, scenery, and every other detail is in place for a smooth and unforgettable show.
Christiana says, “I think The Nutcracker is a classic tale for every ballet company and each company puts their own twist on it with choreography, costumes, etc.” She went on to say, “The story remains the same but as far as setting it apart it’s become special to our own dancers and the community.”
The relationship with WHBPAC and Peconic Ballet Theatre has been long-established. Christiana worked with the Performing Arts Center before the Ballet Theatre even existed, and they put on programs with another dance company. She has been part of The Nutcracker performances at WHBPAC since 2009, which has become a staple annual holiday event.
“The opportunity to work with the staff is always a pleasure,” Christiana says of WHBPAC. “They always go above and beyond to make the performance as special as it can be. And the theater is beautiful and timeless, which adds to the production.”
Christiana explained that there are about 95 dancers in the show, and that the performance of The Nutcracker is part of their training program with students having the opportunity for solo roles. She says, “There will be four shows that are the same, but the casting differs among who plays each role.”
She says she hopes that families come together to enjoy this production of The Nutcracker that Peconic Ballet Theatre takes great pride in putting on each year. Christiana concluded with this note, “I hope it brings families together for the holiday season and they get transported to a special time.”
Head out to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center this weekend on December 9th or 10th for one of the four showings of The Nutcracker and take in the magic of the holiday season on the East End!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://whbpac.org.
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